New mass death sentences in Egypt likely to undermine long-term stability - Ban

(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "alarmed" by new mass death sentences handed down in Egypt, saying they "clearly appear not to meet basic fair trial," and are "likely to undermine prospects for long-term stability." Similar death sentences were handed down on March 24.

"As such, the Secretary General is conscious of the regional and security implications of such sentences. Stability in Egypt is essential for the overall stability of the entire North Africa and Middle East region," his press office said in a statement.

The statement also said Ban is "concerned" about a court case earlier today banning the activities of the April 6 Youth Movement, and "disappointed" that the appeals court on April 7 upheld the jailing of three emblematic figures of the 2011 uprising.

While respecting the independence of the judiciary, Ban recalled that both he and the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns before and after the law regulating protest was promulgated, believing that it could lead to "serious breaches" of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

The statement said Ban intends to discuss these concerns and other issues with Egypt's Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, when they meet here later this week.

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